Commercial trucks convoy from Uganda. - Courtesy

Central Equatoria State Director for Traffic Police General Zachariah Michael has directed security officers to ensure that heavy trucks only enter Juba City through the new bridge and not through the major streets to avoid traffic jams and accidents.

General Taban also directed that the trailers do not enter the city during day time, but only in the evening.

While issuing the order on Monday, Taban told Eye Radio it was necessary after the state traffic department recorded over one thousand road accidents since January 2023.

This reportedly resulted in 78 deaths, and 364 severe injuries in Juba City and its surroundings.

“The trucks that are going to the states can use the new bridge and go directly through the side of Jebel. This order has been there a long time ago, not just now, these trucks are not allowed to enter Juba town,” he said.

According to the traffic official, at least 1,238 accidents were documented between January 1 and May 31 2023.

Taban said the heavy trucks and trailers do not directly cause accidents, but they cause jams that contribute to the situation.

He now directs the police personnel to re-enforce the order, which he said, has been there for a long time.

According to him, the heavy trucks entering the city do not cross the new bridge during the day.

“Even those who are going to states, they are not allowed to enter Juba except evening hours after 6 PM. So they should be on the eastern side of the bridge.”